Villanova vs. Xavier Prediction: Will Xavier Finally Lose at Home?

Villanova vs. Xavier Prediction: Will Xavier Finally Lose at Home?

Every league in college basketball is competitive. However, in the Big East, it just seems like the playing field is so much closer than other leagues. A team like DePaul could easily come into someone's building and win a game, despite not being able to win a conference game yet. Tonight's game between Villanova and Xavier is just that. It's two teams that matchup very well against one another.

Can Villanova be the first team to knock off Xavier on the road? Here are our picks and predictions for the Big East matchup between the Villanova Wildcats and Xavier Musketeers.

Villanova vs. Xavier Start Time, Where to Watch, and Odds

Date: Wednesday, January 12, 2022

Game Time: 6:30 p.m. ET

Where To Watch: FS1

Click here for Villanova vs. Xavier odds

Villanova vs Xavier Injury Report

Villanova

No Injuries to Report

Xavier

Questionable: F Cesare Edwards (Ankle)

Villanova vs. Xavier Betting Line Movement

Villanova vs. Xavier Prediction

The Villanova Wildcats might be 11-4 on the season but this team is dangerous. The Wildcats are currently top 20 in both offensive and defensive efficiency and are currently on a four-game winning streak. The four-game winning streak started against Xavier, at home, with a 71-58 win. That was one of just two Xavier losses this season. Of course, Xavier hasn't lost at home this season. Anyway, Villanova is shooting an effective field goal percentage of 51.4 percent while turning the ball over just 14.1 percent of the time. The Wildcats do a solid job on the glass, but could have trouble dominating it against Xavier. The Wildcats are hitting 35.7 percent of three-point shots and just 49.5 percent of shots inside. In reality, Villanova loves to shoot threes, so that inside number doesn't matter as much as it would for other teams. Plus, Villanova is shooting 79.6 percent from the foul line on the season. On the other hand, Xavier has done well defensively, holding teams to just a 45 percent effective field goal percentage. The Musketeers have also held teams to 22.7 percent offensive rebounds and really limit teams when it comes to the foul line. Opponents have hit just 30.3 percent from deep and 44.7 percent from inside against Xavier, so Villanova will have problems looking to score in this game. But, Villanova's defense is just as good. The Wildcats have held opponents to 30.6 percent from deep and 48.5 percent from inside the arc. The key area for Villanova on the defensive end tonight will be forcing turnovers. Xavier turns the ball over 19.2 percent of the time while Villanova is earning nearly 20 percent of turnovers. Less attempts for Xavier from the field will help Villanova win this game. Xavier is still shooting 34.7 percent from long range and 53.5 percent from inside the arc. It's not an easy offense to cover, but if Villanova can hold Xavier off the glass a little bit and limit them from the foul line, I like Villanova's chances on the road.

Villanova Wildcats vs Xavier Musketeers Pick

• Villanova -110